Shape parameter selection for multi-quadrics function method in solving electromagnetic boundary value problems

Purpose – The multi-quadrics (MQ) function is a kind of radial basis function. And the MQ method has been successfully adopted as a type of meshless method in solving electromagnetic boundary value problems. However, the accuracy of MQ interpolation or solving equations is severely influenced by shape parameter. Thus the purpose of this paper is to propose a case-independent shape parameter selection strategy from the aspect of coefficient matrix condition number analysis. Design/methodology/approach – The condition number of coefficient matrix is investigated. It is shown that the condition number is only a function of shape parameter and MQ node number, and is irrelevant to the interpolated function which means case-independent. The effective condition number which takes into account the interpolated function is introduced. Then, the relation between the relative root mean square error and condition number is analyzed. Three numerical experiments as transmission line, cable channel and grounding metal b...